The 50th annual Calgary Firefighters Toy Association Christmas party saw hundreds of families gather at the Stampede Corral on Sunday for a festive celebration.
“This year we’ve invited 1,900 families, about 4,200 children, to enjoy this day with us,” explained Jayme Blaney, president of the Calgary Firefighters Association. ““All these families are chosen through The Salvation Army and the two school boards.”
The families were treated to lunch, live entertainment and a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus.
“From the time they walk in and get a candy cane from a clown to when they get to see Santa, the smiles on their faces are really rewarding,” said Blaney.
The event is funded, in part, by financial donations from active and retired members of the Calgary Fire Department, Fire stations accepted donated toys from members of the public in the months prior to the party.
